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Exploring Safer Alternatives to Chrome Plating

Hard chrome plating has been a preferred metal finishing solution since the 1940s — over time it has grown into a $20 billion industry. Chrome’s combination of superior hardness (which easily exceeds that of steel), excellent corrosion protection, abrasion resistance and bright, gleaming finish make chrome plating a top choice for various applications in industries […]

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Metal Plating on Satellites: The Benefits of Light Reflection

Hundreds of advanced technologies on earth employ metal plating as an integral part of their function, from industrial electronics to automotive machining. Those applications don’t end in the earth’s atmosphere, however. Metal plating has countless applications in spacecraft and satellite design, from electronic satellite components to telescopes. Read on to learn more about how metal […]

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ENEPIG Plating for Printed Circuit Boards

Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing involves several technologies to bring about the desired results and functionalities. One of these technologies is the surface finish. The copper layer of a PCB oxidizes when it meets air, reducing the soldering ability of the copper. With a surface finish, however, the copper layer is protected from oxidation, maintaining […]

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The Differences Between Barrel and Rack Plating

Choosing the right electroplating method is essential for achieving optimal results and minimizing the risk of damage to the finished product. Two of the most commonly applied processes for plating multiple workpieces are barrel and rack plating. Each offers several advantages, as well as points the plater and customer must consider when determining the most appropriate method for their project.

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The Importance of Being a Socially Responsible Metal Finishing Company

We hear a lot about the need for companies in all industries to become more socially responsible — but what does this really mean? A simple definition of social responsibility is striving to find a balance between increasing revenues and maximizing profits, and engaging in activities that benefit the local community and society in general.

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How to Work With Your Metal Finishing Services Provider

Electroplating and electroless plating are crucial processes for ensuring a successful outcome in many manufacturing and fabricating operations. Plating provides the essential “finishing touch” that protects the workpiece against destructive forces such as corrosion, extreme temperatures and wear, while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Working closely with your plating services provider is key to attaining […]

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What Is Eddy Current Testing?

Eddy current testing is a method of non-destructive testing, or NDT, that utilizes the process of electromagnetic induction for the evaluation and measurement of conductive materials without causing damage. Eddy current testing, or ECT, is used primarily in the detection of surface and sub-surface flaws such as cracks in conductive materials like metal, and it […]

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What Is Electrocleaning?

You may be quite familiar with electroplating and all the benefits this plating method offers. However, most people don’t know exactly what goes into the electroplating process, especially the early steps. One of the first steps of the electroplating process, in fact, is preparing the surface. This process of preparation is used as a way […]

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What Causes Electroplated Coatings to Flake or Peel?

Poor adhesion is a common problem that can negatively impact the performance and longevity of an electroplated coating. Improper adhesion often takes the form of flaking, which occurs when the coating lifts, separates and peels away from the surface of the substrate. This results in large, bare or nearly bare areas that are no longer […]

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Types of Corrosion Testing for Plated Parts and Components

Rust can wreak havoc on metal, so corrosion testing is a common practice for most companies that are heavy users of metal in their manufacturing processes. Over the years, a number of testing protocols have been developed, including cyclic corrosion testing, salt spray testing, humidity testing, Kesternich chamber testing and specialized tests that accurately mimic […]

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